Summary
This 2008 review by Holst and Williamson examines how nutrients and plant bioactive compounds are absorbed and function in human metabolism, arguing for a shift beyond measuring only antioxidant properties. The authors likely emphasise the importance of understanding bioavailability—how much of an ingested compound reaches systemic circulation—and bioefficacy—the actual health-promoting mechanisms in vivo. This perspective bridges food composition with nutritional science and human health outcomes.
Regional applicability
The review addresses fundamental principles of nutrient metabolism and phytochemical function applicable across all dietary and agricultural contexts, including United Kingdom food systems and dietary guidance. The findings are relevant to UK food composition databases, health claims regulation, and dietary recommendations.
Key measures
Bioavailability and bioefficacy of nutrients and phytochemicals; antioxidant and non-antioxidant mechanisms of action
Outcomes reported
The paper likely reviews the mechanisms by which nutrients and phytochemicals are absorbed and utilised in the body, moving beyond simple antioxidant capacity assessments.
Topic tags
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